By: Josh Leach
Computer
and robotic technologies are the largest growing fields in America . According to the workforce and staffing
solution company, Kelly Services, “U.S. computer-related or technology
occupations are expected to grow at a much stronger rate (21.8 percent) than
overall employment (14.3 percent) through 2020.” People all over the world are competing for
opportunities to become part of these ever progressing technologies. At Seckman, the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) provides
students of all ages with experience working in teams, designing, and
programming. The Robotics Club at
Seckman High School is divided into two teams and participates in the FTC. There are thousands of teams across America all
competing to show off their ingenuity and hard work.
The
Robotics Club was started Seckman four years ago. In that time, one team has made it to the
statewide competition. The club has done
very well, overall, considering that its funding from Boeing ended after the
first two years. The members have fundraised
and even donated their own money to keep the program running. They have sold water bottles, light bulbs,
and worked at the concession stands. A
lot of dedication has been needed to make the club successful.
The program
engages people in every aspect of engineering.
The FTC’s website states, “The FIRST Tech Challenge is more
than a robotics program. We are a community focused on building a better world
for tomorrow by engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM).” Kelly Steinbrueck, a sponsor of
the Robotics Club, says, “The students are getting experience they probably
wouldn’t get otherwise.” Members are
learning valuable skills to apply in all areas of life.
The club
has high hopes for the future and is expanding.
More students are becoming interested in learning about programming and
robotic technology. The teams will also
be competing at more competitions this year.
The club is currently fundraising to buy new software and parts for the
robots. Ryan Betlack, a senior, says,
“All we need is some new equipment.” The
goal is to make it to the state competition again and to be more competitive.
With all
the problems facing the world today, such as climate change and terrorist
threats, the next generation will need to be more innovative than ever. There is a real need to perfect alternative
energy sources and utilize technology to make people safer. Whether students pursue a field in science
and technology or not, they will need to be able to problem solve. Humanity needs people to invent new solutions
to old problems.
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